KILLARNEY, Ireland -- Easycash, the company that installed an ATM in a Kerry pub that has become a lightning rod for controversy, has said it's providing cash withdrawals at no extra charge -- at least for now.

According to an Irish Examiner report, Mark Roden, managing director of Easycash, said the company was bound through its agreement with financial institution partner PermanentTSB not to charge extra for the cost of using the ATM.

Boden said his company's profit came from agreements between his company, PermanentTSB and the retailer.

Roden, whose company has installed around 50 machines in retail sites across the country, said he was disappointed by the response of some councillors in Killarney, who claim it will encourage youths to drink more.

(See related story Irish ISO in middle of flap over ATM in pub)

John Bowler, the owner of McSorley's bar, defended the installation of the machine. He said it allowed customers, particularly women, to withdraw money in safety.

Boden agreed. "One of the principle benefits that we have found is that there are people who enjoy using them, such as women who do not want to queue on an open street," he said.

A letter to the editor that appeared in the Belfast Telegraph also supported the ATM installation. "...I would point out that in mainland UK, these machines have been commonplace, not only in pubs and clubs but in supermarkets and stores. I have found internal ATMs a more convenient and safer method of withdrawing cash. Surely at a time when 'on the street' cash machines are being targeted by gangs of muggers, especially at night, this makes sense," read the letter written by Thomas Aicken.

Ireland's Director of Consumer Affairs, Carmel Foley, recently expressed concern that independent ATM operators would charge high fees for ATM access in retail environments. She encouraged Irish banks to deploy more ATMs.

(See related story Ireland's director of consumer affairs opposes independent ATM operators)

Liam Edwards, a spokesman for the Money and Budgeting Advice Service (MABS), an arm of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, said, "In rural areas I would be worried the only ATM would be provided by an independent operator in a pub. I presume the Director of Consumer Affairs is watching this to see the charges will not go over the top."

In a report in Ireland Online, Bank of Ireland reiterated its commitment made last year to install an additional 500 ATMs throughout the country during 2003.

Bank of Ireland said that the new ATMs would be installed in shops and other retail locations as part of a 15 million euros investment in its ATM network.

Patrick Waldron, the bank's director of Direct Channels, said, "There is increasing demand for access to cash in locations that match consumers' lifestyle needs. The new machines have a lower cost infrastructure and can be installed in low volume sites that, in the past, could not have justified a traditional ATM."

According to Waldron, the bank recently completed a pilot with the new ATMs in 10 locations throughout the country. "The response from both consumers and retailers has been extremely positive. We intend commencing the installation of the new machines this month and many towns currently without an ATM will soon have one," he said.